A new witch comes to O.C.'s 'Wicked'

Jenn Gambatese portrays Glinda in "Wicked" at the Segerstrom Center beginning Feb. 26 in Costa Mesa. Her Broadway debut was in the musical "Footloose." CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Broadway veteran Jenn Gambatese at the Segerstrom Center where she steps, mid-run, into the role of Glinda in "Wicked." Her 3-year-old daughter is happy that she plays a princess. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Broadway star Jenn Gambatese is stepping, mid-run, into the role of Glinda in "Wicked." The musical features the odd friendship of two girls, one blonde and popular, the other a green witch with strange powers. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Jenn Gambatese is fashionable, but also dresses casually as a mother of a 3-year-old girl. She's stepping, mid-run, into the role of Glinda in "Wicked," formerly played by Patti Murin, at the Segerstrom Center. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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"Wicked" runs from through March 17 at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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Broadway star Jenn Gambatese is stepping, mid-run, into the role of Glinda in "Wicked" at the Segerstrom Center. Gambatese is an actor, singer, teacher and writer whose work has enabled her to travel the world. The play runs through March 17. CINDY YAMANAKA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

"Wicked" fans get a chance to see a new Glinda during the musical's four-week run at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Broadway veteran Jennifer Gambatese stepped into the role on Tuesday, replacing Patti Murin, whose contract was up.

A Cleveland native, Gambatese left home for Manhattan in 1993 when she was 18 to pursue her dream of acting. After graduating from New York University, her career took off immediately: she toured the country with American Family Theater.

Gambatese made her Broadway debut in "Footloose" in October 1998. Her other Broadway credits include Penny Pingleton in "Hairspray" and roles in "A Year With Frog and Toad," "All Shook Up," "Tarzan" and "Is He Dead?"

We talked to Gambatese about her career, including the challenges of balancing a national tour with parenting a 3-year-old girl and other life responsibilities.

Q. What's it like being dropped into a show you don't know in mid-run?

A. The wonderful stage manager and dance captain take me into a rehearsal room. They're really extraordinary because they know every single part. They jump around from part to part. They give blocking and pacing. The jarring thing is when I'm onstage with the company they seem strange because I've gotten used to acting with invisible people.

Q. Have you watched the show a bunch of times as part of your preparation?

A. I've seen a fair number of performances. But they want you to find your own version of it. I watched it enough times to get the big picture. They don't want me to replicate (Murin's performance). They want it to be organic. Backstage is the more important viewing area because you can see how blocking, entrances and exits work.

Q. What do you like about playing Glinda/Galinda?

A. It's quite an epic journey that the two witches take. It's a sizeable role with a big arc. It's wonderful to take this beautiful woman through a long personal journey. You want to do the role justice.

Q. Some might say you're a little mature to play a teen. How would you respond?

A. I actually feel really fortunate that I'm getting the chance to play her now at this point in my career. The role is demanding vocally. The longer you're at this, the more technique and muscle you have as a singer. So I'm awfully glad I'm doing this now and not when I was right out of school – it would have been overwhelming for me. As an actress, when you bring not only more stage experience but more life experience to the table, you're able to tell the story from a deeper, richer place.

Q. How does the role feel now? Have you nailed Glinda's big number, "Popular," yet?

A. It's still evolving. My first performance is (Feb. 26). The audience will be super informative for me. My goal has been to start from the most honest place. They say the best comedy comes from truthful circumstances. I'm sort of waiting to layer in more of my bits and shtick. And from what I understand from speaking to other Glindas, what is funny changes from town to town.

Q. Why do you think "Wicked" has proven so popular?

A. I think that people identify with the journey that these two women take. All kinds of people: Men, women, all ages from young to old. It's really moving because you're witnessing an unlikely friendship blossom. And I think most people have found themselves in unlikely friendships that sort of caught them off guard. Sometimes it happens when you go through difficult times together, as these two do. I think people really relate to that – to have that friend that you share your ups and downs with, someone who has changed and watched you change.

Q. What's it like doing a tour with your child in tow?

A. It's still a new adventure for us. My mother is recently retired and wanted to come on this adventure with us. My husband comes out every few weeks. In the fall I'll be solo when my little girl starts preschool. Much like performing, I'm just trying to take it moment by moment. And really, look at what an opportunity this is for all of us. My daughter Josephine is over the moon that mommy gets to be a princess. She keeps asking. "How long before you become Glinda?" Dress-up is just her favorite thing to do.

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